Orewa College joined the global Pink Shirt Day movement on Friday 16 May, raising awareness about bullying and celebrating manaaki – respect for others – through pink clothing, student activities, and a heart-shaped staff photo.

Pink Shirt Day 2025: Our Kura Stood United in Pink 

Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora

On Friday 16 May, Orewa College proudly joined the global movement that is Pink Shirt Day. A day dedicated to standing up against bullying, promoting kindness, and celebrating diversity in schools, workplaces, and communities around the world.

This kaupapa gave our school community a chance to truly live our value of Manaaki (Respect for Others, Ourselves & The Environment), by standing united against bullying and celebrating the unique identities of every student and staff member in our kura.

Highlights from our Pink Shirt Day:

• Pink everywhere! Students and staff wore pink shirts alongside their uniforms, accessorised with socks, scarves, ribbons, jewellery, and more.

• Staff formed a heart shape in front of the Admin building at 8:40am, symbolising the aroha and unity shared across the school.

• Form classes held kōrero during the week about bullying, kindness, and how to be an upstander.

• Poster competition winners were rewarded with a lollie bag – ngā mihi to all who took part and shared powerful messages.

• Kindness Cards written by students were delivered to teachers via the Tech Office, spreading positivity through staff pigeonholes.

Pink Shirt Day at Orewa College was more than just colourful clothing. Through conversations, creativity, and collective action, we reinforced in form classes and assemblies that:

• Bullying has no place in our kura

• Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and accepted

• Kindness and courage create lasting change

• Manaaki is something we live – not just say

By joining the worldwide Pink Shirt Day movement, Orewa College added our voice to a global call for safer, kinder communities. Together, we showed that inclusion matters – and aroha is always in fashion.

Speak Up. Stand Together. Stop Bullying. Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora.